The Effect of Beta-glucan in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

AIM 2:

Inclusion Criteria:

* suspected or definitive diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
* treatment naive or no treatment within 6 months prior to enrollment
* able to swallow pills
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 to 3
* absolute neutrophil count (ANC) at least 1500/microl
* able to understand and willing to sign a written informed consent document

Exclusion Criteria:

* history of hypersensitivity reactions attributed to beta-glucan
* currently receiving continuous corticosteroids or other ongoing immunosuppressive therapy
* presence of an uncontrolled intercurrent illness including but not limited to: ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements

AIM 3:

Inclusion Criteria:

* resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as determined by a thoracic surgeon
* treatment naive
* able to swallow pills
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 to 2
* must be an operative candidate
* absolute neutrophil count (ANC) at least 1500/microl
* able to understand and willing to sign a written informed consent document

Exclusion Criteria:

* history of hypersensitivity reactions attributed to beta-glucan
* currently receiving continuous corticosteroids or other ongoing immunosuppressive therapy
* presence of an uncontrolled intercurrent illness including but not limited to: ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements